This Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita is a tasty way to enjoy chicken! It’s topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese, making it a colorful dish that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe is simple enough that anyone can whip it up. And who doesn’t love cheese? I know I can’t say no to seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling since they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs instead; they have more flavor and won’t dry out as easily.
Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil enhances flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. If you prefer, you can substitute with avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and is neutral in flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. For a twist, try using burrata for a richer taste or a thick slice of provolone if mozzarella isn’t available.
Cherry Tomatoes: They are sweet and juicy, making them perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Pesto Sauce: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade pesto is delicious. Consider substituting with a homemade herb sauce if you’re avoiding nuts.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Grilled Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can get it right every time:
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill gives a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Don’t move the chicken around too much while it’s cooking. Let it develop that char on one side before flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer! Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.
These tips will help you grill delicious chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 10-15 minutes of grilling time. Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get a perfect sear on the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side until they’re nicely charred and cooked about halfway through. Flip them over and immediately place two slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on each chicken breast.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Close the grill lid and continue grilling for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the mozzarella cheese has melted beautifully.
5. Add Toppings:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and place it on a serving plate. Spoon pesto sauce over each melted mozzarella-covered chicken breast. Then, scatter the quartered cherry tomatoes and freshly sliced basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally, you can add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste and garnish with a few whole basil leaves for decoration. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, vibrant Grilled Chicken Margherita!
This recipe combines the juiciness of grilled chicken with the classic flavors of Margherita – creamy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and savory pesto – making it a perfect fresh and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling, you can also use chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Margherita?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Pesto Sauce?
If you don’t have pesto or want something different, try using a homemade herb sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can even create a simple garlic and herb mixture with olive oil and your favorite dried herbs!
How Can I Make This Dish More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavors, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a couple of hours before grilling. This will infuse the chicken with amazing flavor and keep it moist!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need additional tips!
